Why is begging banned in DUBAI?

Sharjah Police highlights how begging has turned into a lucrative profession, urging residents to donate through official channels.

In a revealing video, Sharjah Police have shed light on the growing issue of begging in the UAE, emphasizing how it has become a profitable “profession” for some. The video, shared on Facebook, shows a real-life experiment where a man was assigned to play the role of a beggar on the streets to demonstrate how much money he could collect in just one hour.

The results were surprising: the individual managed to gather USD100 in a single hour, illustrating how beggars can exploit the generosity of residents, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, without actually being in need.

Sharjah Police urged residents to be cautious and avoid giving money to beggars. Instead, they encouraged donations to be made through official, trusted charities. The police also reminded the public that begging is illegal in the UAE and can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Residents were advised to report any beggars they encounter by calling the authorities at 80040 or 901. The police stressed that while giving is a responsibility, supporting begging is a crime.

In line with these efforts, Dubai Police arrested 33 beggars in the first 10 days of Ramadan as part of their ongoing anti-begging campaign, A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars. The individuals arrested came from various nationalities and were part of a larger crackdown on organized begging.

Under UAE law, begging is punishable by a fine of up to Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Those involved in organizing begging rings or recruiting individuals to beg can face up to six months in prison and a Dh100,000 fine. Additionally, raising funds without proper authorization can result in fines up to Dh500,000.

Key Takeaways:

• Begging in the UAE has become a profession, with beggars making significant amounts of money.
• Sharjah Police conducted an experiment showing a beggar earning Dh367 in just one hour.
• Police urge residents to donate through official charity channels, not directly to beggars.
• Begging is illegal in the UAE and can result in fines and imprisonment.
• Dubai Police have arrested 33 beggars in the first 10 days of Ramadan as part of their anti-begging campaign.